Montezuma-Cortez High School wrapped up its boys soccer home schedule last Friday and Saturday.

Southwestern League foes Grand Junction and Montrose were welcomed to Johnson Memorial Field.

The Panthers continued their tough play in their tough league slate.

But M-CHS came up short both matches. The Panthers had good offensive intensity against Grand Junction in a 6-1 loss. On Saturday, that intensity didn’t carry over versus Montrose, as the Panthers fell 10-0 in a mercy rule.

M-CHS (1-11-1, 0-8 5A/4A SWL) got on the board Friday against Grand Junction (3-8-1, 2-5-1 5A/4A SWL) when Jaron Carver’s shot bounced off the post to Taren Lanier. The sophomore booted the ball in the back of the net to cut the Tigers’ lead to 3-1 in the 60th minute.

The Panthers had more scoring opportunities, but, unfortunately, couldn’t convert. Grand Junction added three more goals for the final margin.

“The previous time we only lost to them 4-0,” M-CHS coach Gary Geppert said.“The wheels kind of came off the last 10 to 15 minutes and we lost control of the game. They ended up beating us pretty considerably.”

Bridger Brenner had eight saves at goalkeeper for the Panthers on Friday. Brenner is playing a full 80 minutes in place of injured goalie Austin Hart, who is out for the remainder of the season.

“Bridger has taken over and did a wonderful job in the goal,” Geppert said.“The goalkeepers have really stepped up for us all year.”

Things definitely didn’t get much better against Montrose (7-5-1, 6-1-1 5A/4A SWL). The Indians attacked early and scored often in a match shortened by mercy rule.

“They’re looking more like a soccer team. The fundamentals, we’ll continue to address,” Geppert said.

M-CHS will finish its season on Friday and Saturday at Grand Junction Central (4-4-2, 2-3-2 5A/4A SWL) and Fruita Monument (6-5-1, 5-1-1 5A/4A SWL) at 5 p.m. and 11 a.m.